BLUES young guns Tom James and Jamie Roberts both enhanced their claims for Test starts against South Africa with vibrant displays in Shane’s Game.

The two 21-year-olds linked up to excellent effect in the back three of the Welsh XV during a try-packed encounter at the Millennium Stadium.

James crossed once himself and set up two touchdowns for Roberts, who came on as a half-time replacement for Morgan Stoddart at full-back.

The pair showed a good understanding and worked off each other well, thriving in the open nature of a game that featured 19 tries and more than 120 points.

James ended the regular season on fire for the Blues and carried that form into Saturday’s testimonial, causing havoc with his explosive running and even adding a smart drop goal at the death for good measure.

Whether he starts the first Test against the Springboks in Bloemfontein on June 7 is likely to hinge on the fitness of Mark Jones, who is facing a race against time as he recovers from groin surgery.

But should James get the call, the powerful and pacy youngster will be ready for the challenge and he could even prove Wales’ secret weapon against the world champions.

As for Roberts, he faces a battle with Stoddart to fill the No 15 jersey left vacant by the absence of Lee Byrne through injury.

Scarlet speedster Stoddart perhaps offers the greater attacking threat from broken play, but Roberts is a more solid all-round presence, while he also knows his way to the try-line as he proved twice on Saturday.

Blues-bound fly-half Ceri Sweeney went one better, scoring a hat-trick for the World XV, who put on a good show considering they were short on major Test stars.

Former Dragon Sweeney revelled in the open nature of the game as he reminded us what a gifted runner and handler he can be.

He also appeared to relish the chance to perform once again on the big stage, especially up against Wales’ Grand Slam stars, having been overlooked by coach Warren Gatland.

The 28-year-old, who won the last of his 35 caps as a sub against South Africa in November, seemed to have a weight off his shoulders having resolved his future and will be aiming to make a similar impression at the adjacent Arms Park next season.

Three more Blues got on the scoresheet, with Tom Shanklin and Scott Morgan claiming try doubles – for opposing teams – and lock Bradley Davies marking his first senior appearance in Welsh colours by profiting from a break by impressive flanker Dafydd Jones.

While the dynamic Jones was a big hit on the blindside, Jonathan Thomas showed up well as an emergency openside against Marty Holah and is set to continue in the role against the Boks.

One downside was the injury to hooker Huw Bennett, who had to be helped off after suffering ankle ligament damage and is now a doubt for the tour.

If he is ruled out of the trip, Blues’ Gareth Williams and Rhys Thomas would both be contenders to replace him, along with the Ospreys’ Richard Hibbard.

Aside from the injury to Bennett, it was a useful run-out for the Welsh players ahead of the journey to South Africa as they were able to blow a few cobwebs away.

And the World XV played their part in a entertaining end-to-end encounter, with Ben Foden and Elvis Seveali’i joining Sweeney in catching the eye during a contest where the pendulum swung back and fore.

Fittingly it was Shane Williams who sealed the result with the second of his two tries on what was a special occasion for one of Welsh rugby’s true greats.